More recently, work is being done to increase diversity in the sector, break down barriers to entering creative professions and eradicate exploitative internship practices. For example, Creative Access is the leading inclusivity organisation in the creative industries, supporting people from underrepresented groups (diversity, ethnicity, socioeconomic background) into creative careers.
‘Creative Access exists to help ensure opportunities are communicated widely, and that candidates have all the information they need to build a strong application,’ says Mel, reports Prospects.

“Creative Access, the UK’s leading inclusivity organisation in the industry, defines underserved communities as groups proven to be underrepresented in the sector”, reports Kirklees Local TV.

Inside Maya Jama’s new partnership with Creative Access and why it matters for diversity in entertainment, media and talent management, reports The Talent Times.

Broadcaster and entrepreneur Maya Jama has partnered with Creative Access on a 6-month mentorship for eight early-career women from historically underserved backgrounds, reports Abbey Bamford, Creative Boom.

Eight brilliant individuals across all sectors of the industry are celebrated in the Publishers Association’s People of Publishing campaign. This year’s judging panel included Josie Dobrin, executive chair and founder of Creative Access, reports The Bookseller.

‘Love Island host Maya Jama has teamed up with Creative Access to launch a new mentorship programme for marginalised women in UK creative industries, offering guidance in TV production, fashion and marketing’ reports The Media Eye.

“Love Island” host Maya Jama is partnering with social enterprise Creative Access to launch a new mentorship program for marginalised women in the U.K. creative industries. The six-month program will connect eight emerging creatives with powerhouse mentors from Jama’s own professional network who will offer guidance, insight and support in areas including TV production, broadcasting, fashion, communications, marketing and talent management. The program is aimed at women in the U.K. from underserved communities who are at the entry-level career stage and will also include a visit to a London school and an event for early-career professionals. Reports Ellise Shafer at Variety.

Broadcaster and entrepreneur Maya Jama is partnering with Creative Access, a leading social enterprise, to launch a groundbreaking new mentorship opportunity for women from historically underserved and marginalised backgrounds.  

The 6-month programme will connect eight emerging creatives with eight powerhouse mentors from Maya Jama’s professional network. The mentors will offer guidance, industry insight, and career support in the worlds of TV production, broadcasting, fashion, communications & marketing, and talent management.  

It is aimed at women from underserved and marginalised backgrounds in the UK who are at aspiring, entry or junior-level career stage and who have not previously worked with a mentor. 

Maya has enlisted the following women within her network to act as mentors: 

• Broadcaster and Entrepreneur – Julie Adenuga 

• VP, Global Brand Marketing at Coty – Janine Fernandes 

• Director of Entertainment at Insanity – Issy Lloyd 

• ITV’s Commissioning Editor, Reality & Entertainment – Amanda Stavri 

• Senior Culture & Entertainment Manager at Diageo – Francesca Hayward 

• Freelance Comedy Entertainment Executive Producer – Carol Baffour-Awuah  

• Financial Times’ HTSI Editor – Jo Ellison 

• Creative Director & Founder of fashion brand Ahluwalia & Film Director – Priya Ahluwalia 

Maya Jama said:

“This mentorship programme is something I have always wanted to do. I’m incredibly excited to be partnering with Creative Access to connect talented young women with eight industry pros who will nurture and guide their careers.” 

Josie Dobrin, executive chair of Creative Access, said: 

“Creative Access is proud to partner with the brilliant Maya Jama on this impactful mentorship programme, which will provide a vital stepping-stone for eight talented aspiring creatives. It is more important than ever to commit to upskilling the next generation of diverse talent, and through mentorship in flagship creative sectors, eight women will gain the support, guidance and access they need to thrive. Without programmes like this, the industry risks missing out on the voices and visions that will shape its future.” 

The programme will also include a visit to a London school and an event for early-careers professionals, both of which the mentors will be involved with. 

This year’s nominations for People of Publishing 2025 were evaluated by a judging panel comprising Dan Conway, CEO of the PA, Josie Dobrin, executive chair and founder of Creative Access, and Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller. Reports Melina Spanoudi at The Bookseller.

‘Creative Access co-founder JOSIE DOBRIN is to head up the board at the Association of Illustrators (AOI)‘ reports Arts Professional.

‘The Association of Illustrators (AOI) has appointed Creative Access founder Josie Dobrin as its new chair‘ reports Maia Snow at The Bookseller.

‘Lantana and Edinburgh University Press among those who will host trainees‘ reports Lucy Nathan at BookBrunch.